Tuesdays at the Castle (Castle Glower #1)

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Tuesdays at the Castle (Castle Glower #1)

by Jessica Day George (Goodreads Author)

4.04 of 5 stars 4.04 · rating details · 3,529 ratings · 854 reviews

Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie's favorite days. That's because on Tuesdays the castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the castle will do next, and no one-other than Celie, that is-takes the time to map out the new additions. But when King and Queen Glower are ambushed and their fate is unknown, it's up to Ce...more

Hardcover, 254 pages

Published October 25th 2011 by Bloomsbury

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Most Exciting Books Coming Out Fall 2011

71st out of 225 books — 880 voters

The Best Fairytales and Retellings

406th out of 919 books — 5,207 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Apr 17, 2012 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

Shelves: kidlit

Just finished reading the manuscript, prior to beginning the Big Edit. Really excited about this book, the first in a middle grade series that will explore the endless possibilities of having turning an eleven-year-old princess loose in a magic castle!

*Reading aloud to my kids, March 2012.

like 23 likes · see review

Oct 07, 2012 Barb Middleton rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

When I was 10 my dad had me help him sheetrock the basement ceiling. He piled three phone books on the tallest chair in the house, told me to scramble up as he stood on the ladder next to the chair holding a heavy piece of sheetrock flush with the ceiling. He needed help holding the sheetrock while attaching it to the ceiling. Sweat trickled down his face as I quickly clambered on top of the slippery phone books. Once my head was in position, he used a noisy power drill shooting screws into the...more When I was 10 my dad had me help him sheetrock the basement ceiling. He piled three phone books on the tallest chair in the house, told me to scramble up as he stood on the ladder next to the chair holding a heavy piece of sheetrock flush with the ceiling. He needed help holding the sheetrock while attaching it to the ceiling. Sweat trickled down his face as I quickly clambered on top of the slippery phone books. Once my head was in position, he used a noisy power drill shooting screws into the sheetrock around me, making my perch unsteady and sending a fine spray of white powder that fell like snow on everything and everyone in the room. After sheetrocking, he taped and textured the ceiling in a unique design that I had never seen before on any of my friend's ceilings. As an architect, my dad's house has always been like a member of the family. Doors were built by him, rooms redone by him, rooms added by him, murals put on the walls by him; the design of the house was a product of his imagination; the yard - his secret garden. He is so bonded to the house that at times he'll talk about it in the third person. Family members look at each other and go, huh? We don't really get it, to be honest. How can a person be so attached to a house? Yet, we don't really think of the objects that we're attached to in our own life. Maybe we don't name them, but we do develop attachments. For some, it might be their cell phone. For me, is it my computer. His just happens to be a building. Celie in this book reminds me of my dad except she's bonded to a magical castle. It protects her and she loves it like a family member. Her bond is so strong that those who know her well recognize that love. They may go, huh, like we do with my dad, but they respect her for that connection and rely on her to communicate with the castle when they sense danger.

Celie is eleven and pouting because she can't go with her parents to pick up her brother from graduation from the College of Wizardry. She is left with her good-natured brother, Rolf, and bossy sister, Lilah. Celie loves the castle that creates new rooms when it is bored; rooms with bouncy floors, slides, and sizes or contents inside that stretch and shrink at whim and with purpose (umm... dad I want a bouncy floor in my old bedroom, if you are reading this). When Celie's parents get ambushed and are presumed dead, foreigners from neighboring kingdoms invade the castle and plot to dethrone Rolf, the newly crowned king. The three siblings have to bond together and seek the castle's help in preventing this coup.

Celie is a spunky character who changes from an innocent child in the beginning to one who must work with her siblings as a political takeover emerges around them. The three bicker somewhat in the beginning but bond together in their time of need recognizing each others strengths and using them to rid their beloved castle of the enemy. Celie is the mapmaker of the castle and knows its perimeters better than anyone. Rolf, is good at handling people and is able to hold off the Regents. Lilah is super-dooper organized and helps run the castle household or plan an attack on the enemy. The attacks begin as silly pranks that kids will enjoy that delay Rolf from signing a succession which he knows will be a death warrant. When the stakes get higher and the pranks are stopped, the tension mounts and Celie must act more mature. Strong-willed and strong-minded she takes up the task that makes for an exciting end to the story.

The author shows that not all of the Regents are villainous, but some are cowards. They are afraid to stand up for what is right. Celie calls them on this at the end and when they confess and turn to help her, it is a great example of how to try to correct a mistake. Also, Celie forgives them and does not harden her heart against their lack of judgement. She's angry and shouts but in the end does the right thing. Her leadership and good innocent heart make her an endearing character. She vacillates between being a child and acting like an adult and this makes her authentic as well. In this book when she grabs her old stuffed toy for comfort, it is touching and rings true to the character. That said, it is going to appeal to fantasy or fairy tale lovers in grades 4-6. I don't think it will appeal to older teens because the protagonist is young. The only hint of romance is between Pogue and Lilah. The author keeps you guessing with Pogue as to what side he's on in the beginning which makes for some nice tension, but it is pretty clear whose side he is on after the first third of the book.

A couple of things I wished were different but that didn't take away from my enjoyment were that I wanted the spy to use something more original than an invisibility cloak; however, kids will love the nod toward Harry Potter. Another thing I wanted to know was how Lilah changed the table into a pulley system. Celie tells Lilah to use the table chair to hold her as she rappels down the wall and Lilah takes it further and invents a pulley system. The author does a great job showing the ingenuity of the kids as they deal with the enemy as pressure increases for Rolf to do the Regents bidding. I wondered why the omnipresent castle didn't spit out Khelsh and the Emmissary in the beginning since it had that capability. Perhaps if Khelsh had crippled the castle in the beginning while practicing some black magic so that it couldn't get rid of them? Just a thought...

Just like my dad's home or "castle" is an extension of his imagination and creativity in design, the castle in this book is an extension of Celie, who is growing up and becoming independent. She draws strength from the castle's stone when she needs to be brave or bold. She looks to it for guidance, protection, and wisdom. When it can no longer protect her she must rely on her own strength and ingenuity to stand up for what is right. I believe I get it now. My dad I mean. Let this novel turn your huh's into aha's and make you marvel at the extension of Jessica Day George's creativity and imagination.

Check out these similar books:

Museum of Thieves has a building that's alive but that building is unpredictable and on the edge of being out-of-control. Good for younger students. Incarceron has an evil building with romance and violence that is more for older teens.

Reading Level 6.4

(less)

like 7 likes · see review

Jan 11, 2012 April rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cybils, middle-grade, fantasy, library

Friends, I LOVE it when setting is a character and Tuesdays At The Castle by Jessica Day George just fuels this love. When King and Queen Glower disappear and are considered to be dead, a few opportunists try to shove out Celie and her siblings Lilah and heir Rolf. Celie, however, turns to Castle Glower in her time of need.

Read the rest of my review here

like 3 likes · see review

Sep 04, 2011 Misty rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: juvenile-ya, excited-for, folklore-myth-fable-fairy-tall-tale, own, gift, signed, read-in-2011, sci_fi-fantasy

I am a fan of Jessica Day George. There is no denying that. But most of what I've read by her has been more on the YA side than the middle grade side, so even though I was super excitedfor Tuesdays at the Castle, there was still the question of whether I would like her MG stuff. I'm not sure why I was worried. It flowed along so well and kept me going. Two sittings and I pretty much engulfed it all, continuously telling myself "I should stop after X, I should stop after Y..." and I just couldn't...more I am a fan of Jessica Day George. There is no denying that. But most of what I've read by her has been more on the YA side than the middle grade side, so even though I was super excited for Tuesdays at the Castle, there was still the question of whether I would like her MG stuff. I'm not sure why I was worried. It flowed along so well and kept me going. Two sittings and I pretty much engulfed it all, continuously telling myself "I should stop after X, I should stop after Y..." and I just couldn't seem to do it.

Tuesdays at the Castle is absolutely darling. I don't know how to make that not sound like a creepy old aunt who wants to pinch people's cheeks, but it's true, it was darling. There is an...effervescence to George's characters that I just love, and Celie was no exception. [I guess if I'm being honest, I kinda did want to pinch her cheeks...] George has a talent for writing books that are wholesome without being boring or saccharine, and are just plain fun to boot. Parents will find little that is objectionable in Tuesdays at the Castle - for the most part. I mean, an assassination attempt on a 14 year old might be a little harder to explain to someone on the younger side of the scale, but generally it is very clean and handles delicate situations without being too adult or inappropriate, but ALSO without making light and taking away the tension. And even though it will get the parent approval stamp, it's never in that way that it ends up being off-putting for kids (mom said I can read it and now I don't want to...). It's a great adventure story with kids at the helm, and because of that, it is delightful.

I think so many kids are going to read this and root for the children of Castle Glower as they outsmart and one-up the scheming adults in the story. I think this is one that will capture a lot of hearts and imaginations. The added fantastical element of the living Castle Glower and Celie's relationship with it lends a great magic to the story. It feels so companionable, and the Castle really becomes a character of its own, and you care about it just as much as you do its inhabitants. The relationship amongst the siblings was nice, too, with good dynamics and distinct personalities. They each have their thing that sets them apart, and their take on the situation and what to do, and they work together and play off of each other nicely. But it's the the relationship between Celie and the Castle that really stands out and sets the book apart. It's such a fun fantastic take on a story, and to give a place such personality will really appeal to young readers (and old readers. and those in between). It's just this great adventure story, without ever having left home.

I think what I like the most though is that even though it's a series, it makes a great stand-alone. It's so rare to get any book that functions as a complete story in and of itself these dayss. This is the beginning to a series (of course), but George understands the need for completion and she doesn't leave the reader hanging as so many do, or toss in some cliff-hanger or hook for the next book. She (and her publishers, thank god) seem to realize that if you just do the book well people will read the rest. No gimmick required. It's so nice to get a self contained story where everything is wrapped up nicely, there is a beginning/middle/end, etc - a clear cut everything, settled and whole, that leaves you feeling as if it's complete. I appreciate that, I really do, even if I do intend to read the next book (and I do).

This one hits stores in about 1 month, and if you're a teacher or have kids in this in-between age where they need something that will hold their attention without being too adult, this is definitely one for the to-get list. :)
(less)

like 15 likes · see review

Jun 01, 2012 Valerie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

I couldn't wait to read this book. It sounded so fun and magical; plus I'm a fan of Jessica Day George. Though most of her young adult books can border middle grade this was the first one with an actual girl of middle grade age. Though my 9-12 years are kind of blur to me I think the heroine Celie sounded just right.

Princess Celie is a spirited young girl who lives in this castle. A castle that changes halls, rooms, and closets seemingly on a whim and the one who knows the most about this castl...more

like 3 likes · see review

Aug 09, 2012 The Bookwyrm's Hoard rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: children, fantasy

Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.

"Whenever Castle Glower became bored, it would grow a room or two." So begins Jessica Day George's charming fairy tale, Tuesdays at the Castle, and from whimsical first sentence to suspenseful climax, the book is a gem. Eleven-year old Celie, the protagonist, is King Glower the 79th's fourth and youngest child, and Castle Glower loves her. When the king and queen disappear while on a journey to see their eldest son graduate from the College of...more

like 1 like · see review

Jan 23, 2012 Leslie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: juvenile-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like 1 like · see review

Jun 04, 2012 Lynette rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-author-s-books, favorites, signed-books, series-currently-reading

I JUST GOT MY SIGNED COPY IN THE MAIL!!!!!! (I ordered it from King's English Bookshop, where she was doing a signing)

UPDATE:
Oh. My. Goodness. I loved this book!
From the very first sentence, "When Castle Glower became bored, it would grow a new room or two." I was hooked. My family barely managed to communicate with me at all, I was too busy reading. I got it late Saturday afternoon, and finished it early Sunday afternoon.

It is NOT your typical fairytale/princess book. It is FAR from your avera...more

like 1 like · see review

Feb 11, 2013 Hilary Roberts rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult

I read this book with my girls, and we all really enjoyed it. My girls were both hesitant to read it together, but after reading the first two chapters they kept asking if we could read more and more. Definitely written for a younger audience - ages 9 through 12 probably - but I enjoyed it well enough too.

like 1 like · see review

Mar 27, 2012 Melissa Proffitt rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: action-adventure, middle-grade, middle-grade-fantasy

I loved this book! Though it's written just right for a middle-grade audience, it belongs with the handful of middle-grade books (most notably Wendelin Van Draanen's Sammy Keyes mysteries) that have enough substance to appeal to older readers as well. I especially liked the characterization of Castle Glower and Celie's relationship with it, something I'd like to see explored in later books. And Prince Lulath! My very favorite character. He is positively adorable. Very, very enjoyable book, and I...more

like 1 like · see review

Mar 18, 2013 G.K. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit-ish, unfinished-series, princesses, 2013-favorites

4.5 stars

This is a delightful and original tale from one of my favorite authors! And, there's a sequel coming in two months! Yay!

I usually start with the characters, so, here it is; they were all amazing. Yep, I really have no criticism whatsoever. The main siblings in this story, Rolf, Lila, and Celie, are a bit like Peter, Susan, and Lucy from the Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. (There's not really an Edmond personality among the main characters, though.) Pogue was another character who I l...more

like · see review

Feb 04, 2013 Charlyn Trussell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, family_story, fantasy, fiction, friendship, magic, series, strong-female-character, castle, royalty

Man and beast have come to the aid of a damsel in distress, but in Tuesdays at the Castle , it is the castle who comes to the rescue. The Castle Glower is a living entity that has chosen Tuesdays to reconfigure itself however it chooses. It is the home of the King and Queen and their two sons and two daughters, although Bran is off at wizardry school as the story begins. It is Bran’s graduation that sends the King and Queen away from the castle to attend, leaving the crown prince Rolf and his si...more

like · see review

Nov 07, 2012 Joella www.cinjoella.com rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, juvenile

Castle Glower is an unusual castle. It often changes–adds a new room here, gets rid of one there. And more often than not it changes when it is bored, as it often is on Tuesdays when it is the day that the King has to hear all the royal business. Princess Celie loves the castle, and the castle really loves Celie as well. When the King and Queen head off on a trip and don’t come back, it is up to Princess Celie and her older brother and sister and the castle to save the kingdom. Unfortunately a f...more

like · see review

Sep 24, 2012 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult

What a fun read! If I could give it more stars I would. Castle Glower is the home of the King and Queen and three of their four children. Bran, the oldest is off to Wizard School while Rolf, heir to the throne, Delilah and Cecelia stay at home. King Glower the 79th and his Queen, along with Bran disappear as they are returning from Bran's graduation. Meanwhile, people who want to take over the kingdom arrive at the castle. Castle Glower is alive and well taking care of the remaining children. By...more

like · see review

Apr 05, 2012 Angie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-s-fiction, fantasy, magic, website

Castle Glower is alive and it has a mind of its own. It can change its rooms make new ones and kick you out if it doesn't like you. It also chooses who will rule the kingdom. And it has chosen Celie's family as the current ruling family for ten generations. Celie loves Castle Glower; she has been mapping it her whole life and she knows the Castle better than anyone. She is the youngest of the royal children and one of those left at home when the King and Queen go off to bring the oldest son Bran...more

like · see review

Mar 22, 2012 Jacob Proffitt rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anybody who likes a good story well-told.

Shelves: fantasy, owned, middle-grade

I made the mistake of picking this up after midnight (not telling how far after midnight) to settle down a bit before bed. Four hours later (yes, I know, I'm actually kind of a slow reader—certainly compared to some) I finished the book with a sense of satisfaction that overrode the impending doom of waking in two hours to go to work.

This book is aimed at a bit younger audience than I usually read (middle grade?). I love YA novels and wouldn't dream of disparaging a book based on its target mark...more I made the mistake of picking this up after midnight (not telling how far after midnight) to settle down a bit before bed. Four hours later (yes, I know, I'm actually kind of a slow reader—certainly compared to some) I finished the book with a sense of satisfaction that overrode the impending doom of waking in two hours to go to work.

This book is aimed at a bit younger audience than I usually read (middle grade?). I love YA novels and wouldn't dream of disparaging a book based on its target market, so don't take that as limiting or a condemnation. I note it as a way of highlighting how very well-written and engaging the book is. The protagonist, Celie, is 11 and the writing is about that grade level as well. I imagine that kids around that age, and a few years on either side, will find it a natural read. But the book is also completely accessible to older audiences, and even (if you're like me) captivating.

The central conceit of the novel, a magically sapient castle, is enchantingly drawn. Castle Glower, you see, chooses its own royalty. One royal council took a week of the butcher (I think. I don't have the book with me while writing this review) accidentally walking into their meetings before taking the hint and crowning him the next king. One heir found himself rejected because "he was a nincompoop." The current royal family—descendants of the former butcher—have come to truly love the castle and the youngest daughter, Celie, has developed a closer relationship to it than most. She has been working on her "atlas" for years and enjoys exploring new rooms and revising maps based on new additions and subtractions.

The book starts light (I laughed once per page, on average. I know because I kept track). We get to know Celie as her parents are leaving to attend the graduation of their oldest son in a city somewhat distant (the castle hinted he'd be a better wizard than heir so the second-oldest is heir). It doesn't take long, however, for dire events to catch up with Celie and her two siblings left home alone. I was so engaged in this part of the book that I only just now identify as a parent with similarly-aged kids who face danger while they're away from home. While reading, I was with the kids all the way and wanted to be with them as a peer rather than parental problem-solver. The Glower children, the oldest of whom left at home is 14, have to deal with diplomacy and tragedy and band together to fight off forces bent on taking over the kingdom using nothing but their wits, what they've learned from their parents, and what they know about the unique aspects of Castle Glower.

What follows is a ripping-good adventure story. And that, alone, would be enough to make this an excellent book. But Jessica Day George imbues the tale with additional wisdom, charm, and wit as the children try different tactics, work together, and learn to parse friend from foe. In the end, the story is about loyalty and love, teamwork and respect, betrayal and responsibility, and standing up to greed and malice even against forces that appear overwhelming.

I have no hesitation recommending this book to anybody who likes a good story. The characters are charming and that includes the castle. Rumor is that this is the first in a series and I fervently hope that is true.(less)

like 6 likes · see review

Dec 23, 2011 Lauren rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was sold on this book in the first few pages when the magical castle created a slide so eleven-year-old Celie could get somewhere quickly. As a child, that alone would have had me in love with a book. As an adult, well, I had to turn off my brain to fully enjoy this book. The plot is fun – Celie and her brother and sister find themselves defending the castle (and, by extension, their kingdom) after their parents go missing and an evil prince tries to take over – but the overly-cutesy, light-ha...more

like · see review

Nov 18, 2011 Amanda Snow rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, middle-grade, review-copy

Originally posted at www.apatchworkofbooks.com

At Castle Glower, Tuesdays are the best days. Tuesdays are when the castle decides to add a new room, its occupants never knowing what will come. The castle definitely has a mind of its own, making for a very exciting life for Celie, the youngest of the three royal children, who loves her life at the castle and is really the only one who truly understand how it operates.

When Celie's parents, the King and Queen of Castle Glower, go missing and are pr...more

like · see review

Nov 12, 2011 Jessikah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Jessica Day George continues her trend of penning fresh fantasy novels with genuine heroines. Plucky Princess Celie (short for Cecelia) inhabits a living castle along with her parents (The King and Queen, naturally) and her three siblings Bran, Lilah and Rolf. We are assured from the begining that if the royals were unworthy by any means, Castle Glower would not allow them to rule. It is true that their home is a being with a mind of its own. On Tuesdays in particular, Castle Glower will usually...more Jessica Day George continues her trend of penning fresh fantasy novels with genuine heroines. Plucky Princess Celie (short for Cecelia) inhabits a living castle along with her parents (The King and Queen, naturally) and her three siblings Bran, Lilah and Rolf. We are assured from the begining that if the royals were unworthy by any means, Castle Glower would not allow them to rule. It is true that their home is a being with a mind of its own. On Tuesdays in particular, Castle Glower will usually grow and change. It frequently adds rooms and passageways, moves living quarters according to the talents of those who sleep within (Rolf's room was moved next to the throne room, so it was certain the castle felt he should be heir to the throne) and even arranges marriages by locking two people into a room with no way out until they see they are fit for one another. How else do you think the King and Queen fell in love?

The story eases us into the common life of this lighthearted and loving royal family. Celie is the baby, whom everyone loves. Lilah (Delilah) is smart and nurturing and Rolf is a leader even at age 14. Bran, however, we do not meet as we are told he is graduating from the Wizard Academy. The Castle, you see, had begun to fill his rooms with magic books thus convincing the King he is to be a Wizard. So you see, he is about to graduate and the King and Queen must travel to witness the ceremony and bring him home. Therefore they entrust the Castle to their younger children and their children in care of their council. Unfortunately for the Glower children, the Castle leads them to a tower where they witness their parent's carriage destroyed through a spyglass. At once they are informed that they are orphans, and yet the Castle has yet to change their rooms nor has it made Rolf's more Kingly, so Celie believes in her heart they are not dead.

The story moves at a fine pace, though not fast by any means. As the family prepares for a funeral and foreign monarchs arrive to "pay their respects" Celie uncovers a plot between the evil Prince Khelsh and the King's own council to dispatch of Rolf. Each of the children deal with this news in a different way. Lilah works with Pogue, the flirtatious son of a blacksmith to sneak in and out of the Kingdom and research the veracity of their parents' demise. Rolf uses Celie's information to play a dangerous game of wits and politics. Celie herself uses her kinship with the Castle to gather information and allies.

While there is much adventure and some espionage, this is a whimsical story with a brave young girl at its heart. Celie's actions seem natural for a girl her age. Her relationship with the Castle is lovely. While one may expect more twists and turns from George while comparing this with her other series, this one remains a delight in its own. (less)

like · see review

Nov 03, 2011 Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Tuesdays at the Castle is the newest book by author Jessica Day George. This exciting new book, geared toward children, was a wonderful read for me as an adult. The story takes place in a castle that is magical and constantly changing its structure. It lengthens its hallways, adds new rooms and staircases too. It even changes the location of rooms! The characters are the royal children, Rolf, Lilah, and Celie. Celie is the main character and loves the castle! She knows it best and maps it’s chan...more

like · see review

Oct 24, 2011 Kimberly rated it 5 of 5 stars

First of all, I want you to know that I just rubbed my hands together in delight, because I am so, so excited to review TUESDAYS AT THE CASTLE, by Jessica Day George! This is such a marvelous book, by such a marvelous author. Jessica’s books are always utterly gobble-worthy...but there’s just something extra-special about this first title in her new middle grade series. Maybe it’s the setting...

The Land of Sleyne sounds picturesque, with its mountains and bowl-shaped valleys, but it’s the castle...more First of all, I want you to know that I just rubbed my hands together in delight, because I am so, so excited to review TUESDAYS AT THE CASTLE, by Jessica Day George! This is such a marvelous book, by such a marvelous author. Jessica’s books are always utterly gobble-worthy...but there’s just something extra-special about this first title in her new middle grade series. Maybe it’s the setting...

The Land of Sleyne sounds picturesque, with its mountains and bowl-shaped valleys, but it’s the castle that serves as the home for Sleyne’s king (Glower the Seventy-Ninth) and his family that thrills me. After all, what child (or young-hearted adult, for that matter) doesn’t long for secret passages and magic? The layout of Castle Glower is in a constant state of flux, so it’s like one gargantuan maze of secret passages, built through magic. Now that is my idea of a fantastic setting—a castle that can alter its form at will. And yes, I said at will, because Castle Glower has a will. The castle is a key character in TUESDAYS, and come to think of it, maybe it’s the array of characters that has me gushing over this book.

The castle is like a human in so many ways, even suffering from boredom! But unlike humans, who tend to eat potato chips and watch movies when bored, Castle Glower “stretches,” resulting in an added turret here, a room there, and sometimes even a whole new wing. This seems rather whimsical of the castle, but don’t be fooled. Castle Glower is not a character to be trifled with. Those who visit the castle had better mind their Ps and Qs, or they could end up like the Ambassador of Bendeswe, who found himself walled into his bedroom once the castle found out he was a spy.

Another character to love is Princess Celie, who is spunky, courageous, and smart. She also possesses an atlas of the changing castle, and it is for this reason, perhaps, that the castle pays special attention to Celie’s needs, even growing escape routes when she needs them, and boy, does she need them! This is a girl who attracts adventure, for sure. I can’t wait to read more about her in the other books in this series!

There are also lots of other wonderful characters in TUESDAYS, such as the handsome Pogue Parry, the odd-but-loveable Prince Lulath of Grath (and his doggies), the spine tinglingly evil Prince Khelsh of Vhervhine, and, of course, Celie’s family. I love the relationships between Celie and her siblings, in particular. Her older brother, Rolf, is the second son of the king and queen, but the castle “chose” him to be King Glower’s heir, by moving his suite of rooms next to the Throne Room. Celie’s older sister, Lilah, is capable and a bit bossy, but proves her worth many times over in TUESDAYS. Celie’s oldest brother, Bran, was sent to a college for wizards after the castle kept furnishing his rooms with books and astrolabes. It is, in fact, on the journey to witness Bran’s graduation that Celie’s parents (who sound like the best king and queen ever) are ambushed and...well, you’ll just have to read the book if you want to know what happens to them and to Celie and her siblings as a result.

I do love the setting and the characters in TUESDAYS, but there is so much more to love, too! Jessica’s writing is simple, but vivid. The story moves quickly—there is never a dull moment. There is so much to love, and every element of the book works with every other element, creating a tight adventure story that any reader will enjoy.
(less)

like 2 likes · see review

Oct 02, 2011 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George takes place in a magical castle that is constantly changing. The castle creates, changes and moves rooms and passageways based on how it feels about the people inside. Princess Celie has always loved the castle and it's changes and has been slowly making an atlas mapping out the castle. When her parents leave to pick her brother up from wizard school a new tower appears that only Celie can find. They then go missing and are presumed dead and a prince...more

like 1 like · see review

Mar 09, 2012 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-s, ala, fantasy, favorite-books

This book was amazing right from the first page on which the rules of the ever-changing and shifting castle are laid out. Castle Glower becomes a living character in this delightful story as it adds rooms and creates mazes for its royal inhabitants. Celie, the youngest daughter of the royal family, is known to be the Castle's favorite because she understands it and even tries to make an atlas for it. In return, the Castle seems to respond to her, a fact which comes in handy when half of the roya...more This book was amazing right from the first page on which the rules of the ever-changing and shifting castle are laid out. Castle Glower becomes a living character in this delightful story as it adds rooms and creates mazes for its royal inhabitants. Celie, the youngest daughter of the royal family, is known to be the Castle's favorite because she understands it and even tries to make an atlas for it. In return, the Castle seems to respond to her, a fact which comes in handy when half of the royal family goes missing and the younger children must fight to find them and protect the castle and their land from a takeover.
Celie and and her siblings Rolf and Lilah are thrust into roles of huge responsibility when the King and Queen and their brother Bran are attacked and presumed dead. Rolf is made to succeed to the throne under a strict and traitorous regency, and Celie finds herself playing a game of spying on the Council. When the children discover that their family is still alive somewhere, they send a flirtatious friend to search for them while they keep the Council and the evil Prince Khelsh at bay. Through their pranks and tricks on their enemies, the children are aided by the Castle and the servants. However, the Council finally gains the upper hand when they cast a spell on the Castle and seem to make it die. As things worsen for the children and they lose hope that they will ever see their family again or even live much longer themselves, Celie slowly emerges as the only one that can save the Castle and her family. The excitement builds up to the very last chapter, when Celie finally saves the day.
It's been awhile since I've read such a cute and exciting children's book, but this one fit all of my expectations and more. Eleven-year-old Celie is smart and brave for her age and she has a wonderful sibling relationship with Rolf and Lilah. Furthermore, the children love their parents and never lose sight of wanting to find them and save the Castle for them. Pogue, though often a flirt, is a trustworthy friend and genuinely wants to help the royal children. All in all, Tuesdays at the Castle is a great story with a wonderful message and fun characters. (less)

like · see review

Apr 09, 2013 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Whenever Castle Glower got bored, it would grow a new room or two. It usually happened on Tuesdays..." I read this for myself a few months ago and liked it so much I read it out loud to my kids. They loved it, too. Celie is a young princess in a quirky, magical castle. When foul play befalls her family, Celie and her older brother and sister join forces with the castle to put things right. We were drawn in from the first line to the exciting conclusion. Gonna own this one. :)

like 1 like · see review

Oct 05, 2011 E.A. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, childrens, young-adult

When I heard that Jessica Day George was coming out with another book I was thrilled. I love all of her books and was curious to see what TUESDAYS AT THE CASTLE was like. When I won an ARC from a contest I nearly squealed in delight. I read the book in a day and can't wait for more to come out with the same characters. This book is intended for younger audiences. The main character, Celie, is eleven.

The castle isn't normal and if you aren't paying attention you may end up in a room you never kn...more

like · see review

Mar 16, 2013 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasyscifi, magic, middlegrade

Got this book for my daughter in the 4th grade, but decided I got to read it first. I am a big fan of Jessica Day George's fairytale re-tellings so I was pretty sure I would like this one, too.

Castle Glower is not your typical castle. Sure, its made of stone with plenty of rooms and specific areas, but if the Castle gets bored, it may sprout a whole new wing, or get rid of empty closets if no one is using them. But more importantly, the Castle decides who gets to be King. And you don't have to h...more

like · see review

Sep 09, 2012 Dolly rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: children starting to read longer chapter books

Shelves: 2012, childrens, middle-grade, scifi-fantasy

We discovered this book at our local library months ago, during a summer reading program highlighting a selection of books. Our oldest borrowed it and was immediately enthralled. But somehow she never got around to finishing the book and we had to return it, as it was quite popular and many people had holds on it.

We put it back on hold and finally we were able to borrow it again (after waiting quite a long time.) Our oldest eagerly continued reading and kept me up to date on parts of the plot....more

like · see review

Feb 10, 2013 Kirsten rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I was expecting it to be more simple than it was. The complexity and some of the words the author used were a pleasant surprise.

Summary:

Tuesdays at Castle Glower are interesting days because that is usually when the Castle decides to change. Adding new hallways, new rooms, even a slide and muddling the lives of all those that live within its walls. Princess Celie is the youngest of four and her oldest brother Bran is graduating from the Colle...more
I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I was expecting it to be more simple than it was. The complexity and some of the words the author used were a pleasant surprise.

Summary:

Tuesdays at Castle Glower are interesting days because that is usually when the Castle decides to change. Adding new hallways, new rooms, even a slide and muddling the lives of all those that live within its walls. Princess Celie is the youngest of four and her oldest brother Bran is graduating from the College of Wizardry. Celie's parents leave to see him graduate and finally bring him home. Her older sister Lilah acts regal and enforces rules that Celie hates to follow while Rolf, the middle child and crown prince, tries to act as King in his father's stead.

After two weeks Celie, Rolf, and Lilah get word that their parent's party was ambushed and that they are most likely dead. It is in the coming weeks that the siblings are put to the test as they have to prepare a funeral, a crowning, and keep the castle out of the hands of evil folks who want to see themselves king. It will take all their wit, a nice castle with magical powers, a stuffed animal, and help from friends and servants to keep Castle Glower.

Tuesday's at the Castle is written for middle grade readers so it is rather short and simple. Still George's voice and mastery at telling a fairy tale without boring her audience adds life into the book and keeps even us older readers entertained. The characters are unique and memorable. I especially enjoyed having the Castle be a important player with its own personality. Not very often are places made into characters.

Sometimes Celie's attitude grated on me. other times I found it immensely amusing. I have two younger sisters her age and I get rather sick of them sometimes and Celie's antics reminded me of them. Rolf seems to behave like a five year old one moment and an eighteen year old the next. I do love how he is protective of his sisters, especially Celie, and the castle. Liliah is very much like I am. She didn't bug me so much because I would be doing the exact same thing as she did.

Basically I started reading this and got caught up in the world and the characters. If I could have read it in one sitting I would have. 5/5 stars.(less)

like · see review

Oct 28, 2012 Mary rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: winter-digital-bookshelf

Castle Glower, the ancestral home of Princess Celie's family, is enchanted. Every Tuesday, the castle will add new rooms or rearrange old ones, making it a very confusing place to live. It has become Princess Celie's goal in life to map the entire castle in her atlas, though nobody believes she can do it. When her parents disappear mysteriously and the kingdom is threatened from forces within and without, it's up to one small princess, her brother and sister, and the magical castle itself to def...more

like · see review

Oct 22, 2011 Kathy Martin rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a great adventure in a fascinating world. Castle Glower might be the greatest place ever to live. Imagine a castle that adds rooms whenever it wants to. Celie is the youngest child of King Glower the 79th and his Queen. She is the one who loves the castle best and delights in exploring and mapping all the changes that it goes through. She is 11.

When the King and Queen leave to attend their oldest son's graduation from wizard school, Celie is sad to be left behind with her sister Lilah and...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (4)

Genres

Fantasy

335 users

Childrens > Middle Grade

70 users

Childrens

62 users

Young Adult

50 users

Childrens > Juvenile

39 users

Fantasy > Fairy Tales

32 users

Adventure

28 users

Fantasy > Magic

25 users

Fairy Tales > Princesses

15 users

Young Adult > Young Adult Fantasy

10 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Jessica Day George

Jessica Day George likes chocolate, knitting, books, travel, movies, dragons, horses, dogs, and her family. These are all things to keep in mind if you ever meet her. For instance, you could bring her chocolate to make the meeting go more smoothly. You could also talk about how adorable her children are, even if you have never seen them. You could discuss dog breeds (she has a Maltese named Pippin...more

More about Jessica Day George...

Books by Jessica Day George

Princess of the Midnight Ball (Princess #1)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Tuesdays at the C...

2 trivia questions
2 quizzes

More quizzes & trivia...

Quotes from Tuesdays at the Castle

“How wonderful," he purred. "I've been longing to speak to you for days, Princess Cecelia."
"And I've been wanting to kick you in the shin for days.” — 26 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Tuesdays at the Castle
avg rating	preview: Tuesdays at the Castle Goodreads rating: 4.04 (3529 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10508431-tuesdays-at-the-castle?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331678412l/10508431.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10508431-tuesdays-at-the-castle?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George[/url]

Tuesdays at the Castle (Castle Glower #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website